Smith brings up Mormon persecution during gay rights discussion

U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith has caused a mini-uproar in the blogosphere with comments that his Democratic opponent said amount to a defense of polygamy.

During a gay rights panel discussion earlier this week at the Center for American Progress, Smith, a Republican, was asked about his views on same-sex marriage. What followed was a lengthy, deeply personal response, including comments about his Mormon ancestry.

"Part of what I fear, as you start defining marriage -- we have a long history of doing that in this country, and my Mormon pioneer ancestors were the victims of that. They were literally driven from the United States in the dead of winter for following their religious beliefs. I don't want that coming back."

A call to Smith's office for clarification didn't produce much.

"While Sen. Smith is a supporter of gay rights, domestic partnerships and hate crimes legislation, he opposes any change in the definition of marriage other than one man, one woman," said Smith spokeswoman Kimberly Collins.

Collins later produced this comment from Smith: "I have been a strong proponent of gay rights -- such as domestic partner benefits, ENDA and stronger prosecution of hate crimes -- but I
oppose changes in the current definition of marriage. I regret using a clumsy historical analogy to make that point."

At the campaign office for Democrat Jeff Merkley, Smith's opponent, they were scratching their heads over the statement. What got their attention was Smith's preface to his comments: "My campaign people will kill me for saying this..."

"We're not certain what he is saying," said Merkley spokesman Matt Canter. "It appears he is defending polygamy and believes it was wrong for the government to establish a definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. But Sen. Smith will need to clarify his remarks."